Back again for help on our October 2005 trip. We are torn between the pousadas at Evora and Estremoz. Better to stay one night at each, or two nights at one? Which have Fodorites experienced and prefer, and why? Thanks, as always! Claire

Stay in between, Vila Vicosa is the place, with easily access to both places and many other interesting spots.
Vila Vicosa Pousada is a former convent side by side with the palace of Dukes of Braganza (worth a visit, not sure if guided tours in english language are available).
Catherine of Braganza left the palace around 1640 to marry Charles II and become queen of England.

We spent several days in Estremoz, but not at the Pousada. You can easily access one town from the other as well as Vila Vicosa. We enjoyed touring the palace at Vila Vicosa. However, the tour was only in Portuguese (as of spring 03). However, our guide was very accomodating and gave much of the tour in both Portuguese and English--we were lucky I guess. I don't think you can go wrong with the Pousada in either place, it's more a matter of if you want to move each night.

I stayed at the pousada in Evora in 2001. The town had some interesting market streets, nice pottery and silver. We toured the church, known for the human skeletons decorating the walls in the basement...Had dinner in the dining room of the pousada which was beautiful. It is adjacent to a temple in honor of Diana (Greek goddess, not the princess!). I think one night was plenty, though I enjoyed touring Estremoz and the view from there was great.

I have stayed at both pousadas, and they are both very nice. I think there's more to see and do in Evora than Estremoz. My favorite restaurant in Evora was called Antao, we had a party of 8, with each one ordering something different, and everyone was very heppy. Not that you asked, but I think that the pousada in Arraiolos, which is probably about 85 km from both Estremoz and Evora, is even nicer than either of those two. It's in an old convent, in the middle of orchards, outside the town where rugs have been made since the 15th century, or maybe even earlier. The pousada people decided to "go minimalist" with the Arraiolos pousada, and it works. It is really beautiful and relaxing. Probably one of my top three pousadas in Portugal.

Okay, I'll bite - what are your other 2 fav's? Also, what do you think about Marvao's pousada? Thanks for the info - Claire

Sorr, I guess I should have put that information in my earlier post. My other two favorite pousadas would be the one right outside Guimaraes (they have two and the one outside of town is far nicer, it's in an old convent, and the chapter house, the commons areas, and the patio with fountain are really special). Its name is Santa Marinha. The other favorite is Mesao Frio, on the Douro River in an old manor house.

Marvao's pousada is very pleasant, I haven't stayed there but I have been inside. The dining room has a nice view over the town.

Have a great trip. Laurie